Coalition of Concerned Teachers Sets April 30 Deadline for Unpaid Funds from Government

In a bold move to address the long-standing issue of delayed payments and owed funds, the Kumasi chapter of the Coalition of Concerned Teachers of Ghana has issued a stern ultimatum to the government and the Finance Ministry. The coalition demands the immediate payment of all accrued funds and welfare dues owed to its members, setting a deadline of April 30.

The decision to set a deadline stems from the coalition’s frustration over the government’s persistent delays in releasing these funds. Many teachers have been grappling with financial hardships due to the prolonged wait for their rightful dues. Chairman of the Coalition, Godfred McThetheh Ansah, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stressing that the government must act promptly to address the grievances of teachers.

Ansah expressed discontent with the government’s handling of teachers’ welfare, stating, “The government has been downplaying our welfare… our monies are not released on time.” He highlighted that the government owes teachers up to 5 to 6 months’ worth of arrears, a situation that has exacerbated financial difficulties for many educators.

The root of the problem, according to the coalition, lies in the government’s haircut program. This program, initially introduced during engagements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has had adverse effects on teachers’ financial well-being. However, the specifics of how this haircut would be implemented remain unclear to the teachers, adding to their frustration.

The Coalition of Concerned Teachers of Ghana asserts that failure to meet the April 30 deadline will have consequences. Ansah warned, “We don’t want the students to suffer so if they don’t get back to us, we know what to do.” This statement underscores the seriousness of the situation and the determination of teachers to secure their rightful payments.

The ultimatum issued by the Kumasi chapter of the Coalition of Concerned Teachers of Ghana serves as a wake-up call to the government and the Finance Ministry. It highlights the pressing need to prioritize the welfare of educators and promptly address their grievances. With the deadline set for April 30, all eyes are now on the government to see how it responds to the demands of the teachers’ coalition. Failure to act decisively could lead to further unrest and disruption within the education sector, ultimately impacting the nation’s students and their learning outcomes.